Harbor Springs residents explore district library model

Hoping to expand on the range of library services available in the Harbor Springs area, some local residents have begun to explore possibilities for a new district library there.

The group is studying whether a library district covering the same territory as Harbor Springs Public Schools would be workable. Along with the city of Harbor Springs, this district is proposed to extend into Little Traverse, West Traverse, Friendship, Pleasantview, Readmond and Cross Village townships.

Study group members believe Harbor Springs' privately operated library - established about a century ago as a reading room - has served patrons well. But they also sense a potential need for a broader range of library services.

And while residents of Harbor Springs and many nearby townships can currently obtain free borrowing privileges at the Petoskey Public Library, group members believe a new district library closer to home would provide the residents with easier access to services.

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"It's just a question of whether more people could be served and have access if there was a smaller district library in the Harbor Springs school district," group member Carolyn Sandford said.

Noting that some in the group - which includes about 10 core members in all - have ties to the private library and the Petoskey facility, study participants said they're not trying to challenge either existing library.

Currently, the group proposes raising funds for a library facility and looking to taxpayers to cover operating costs only.

Study group members would pursue a facility with several thousand square feet in a central location. They intend for it to be open at least six days a week, offer public computers with Internet access and affiliate with the Northland Cooperative of Libraries to provide access to other libraries' holdings around the region and state.

"We would want a professional librarian managing the collection and the programs that would be put on," Sandford said.

Having researched library operations in some other Northern Michigan communities, the group's preliminary projection is that it would take about $250,000 per year to operate such a facility.

A district library would have its own governing board and the ability to levy taxes in its territory to support library needs. If officials in the affected municipalities decide to pursue a library district's formation, they would create a provisional board to help organize it. Decisions about operational funding and long-term leadership would go on the ballot for voters to consider.

The study group has written to officials in Harbor Springs and nearby townships to describe the library proposal, with members expecting to present their case at city council and township board meetings over the next couple of months.

Officials in two of these communities say it's too early to tell whether they'll ultimately back the district library idea.

Harbor Springs mayor Jean Jardine said she hasn't yet decided on the merits of a library district, noting that she's waiting for a presentation to the city council - likely in April - before she does so.

Pleasantview Township supervisor Bill Wiechmann said he figures there's some support on the township board and in his community for a district library, but "it just remains to be seen what's going to happen. It all boils down to what the people really want."

Looking for support

People who'd like more information about the efforts to form a district library in the Harbor Springs area or would like to help carry the idea forward can call Judy Harvey at 838-1246.

A community-wide informational meeting on the library proposal is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at the West Traverse Township Hall.